'85 Bears.
Offenses still shake and the raw brutality of this defense. Singletary, Gayle, Rivera, the "Fridge" - these greats lead a defensive team so fierce that the tradition of Chicago defense would go on for decades. And then it ended.
Average points let up per game 27.6 (31st)
Offenses still shake and the raw brutality of this defense. Singletary, Gayle, Rivera, the "Fridge" - these greats lead a defensive team so fierce that the tradition of Chicago defense would go on for decades. And then it ended.
Average points let up per game 27.6 (31st)
Total yards Rank (30th)
TDs per drive (27.5% last in league)
In shaming fashion the Bears defense imploded, but how did this happen? Where has tradition gone?
The remarkable fact about the recent state of Bears defense is that only two years prior they were ranked 5th in the league. The bears have made some key defensive moves including adding Pernell McPhee, Antrel Rolle, and Mason Foster to join key line backer Jared Allen. But more than player transitions, probably the biggest factor affecting defense is philosophy change. The debacle of Bears defense coincides with head coach Marc Trestman's tenure. He is gone and where Bears defense goes from here is wide open.
The bears are moving to a 3-4 defensive set under head coach Fox. While in Denver, Fox's Denver defense was intimidating, ranked third in the league. While in Carolina his defense was feared as well. Certainly Fox has a tradition of defensive soundness, the question becomes not if Chicago defense will return to greatness but how long before it gets there. The 3-4 defensive set has never been tried in Chicago, but perhaps a clean slate is what is needed to undo the horrors left by Trestman. It could very well be trial by fire in Chicago as the three of the tougher games of the schedule happen first thing, but ultimately this will quicken the learning curve.
The first preseason game gave some indications that the bears are coming back. Some early success by the Dolphins showed holes that need repair, however, the Chicago defense (during 2nd and 3rd team play) sparked a few scores that led to victory in an otherwise meaningless game. Yet, success motivates and will help expedite the growing process of this defense. All in all this team is set up for a great year. The Bears are roaring back!
In shaming fashion the Bears defense imploded, but how did this happen? Where has tradition gone?
The remarkable fact about the recent state of Bears defense is that only two years prior they were ranked 5th in the league. The bears have made some key defensive moves including adding Pernell McPhee, Antrel Rolle, and Mason Foster to join key line backer Jared Allen. But more than player transitions, probably the biggest factor affecting defense is philosophy change. The debacle of Bears defense coincides with head coach Marc Trestman's tenure. He is gone and where Bears defense goes from here is wide open.
The bears are moving to a 3-4 defensive set under head coach Fox. While in Denver, Fox's Denver defense was intimidating, ranked third in the league. While in Carolina his defense was feared as well. Certainly Fox has a tradition of defensive soundness, the question becomes not if Chicago defense will return to greatness but how long before it gets there. The 3-4 defensive set has never been tried in Chicago, but perhaps a clean slate is what is needed to undo the horrors left by Trestman. It could very well be trial by fire in Chicago as the three of the tougher games of the schedule happen first thing, but ultimately this will quicken the learning curve.
The first preseason game gave some indications that the bears are coming back. Some early success by the Dolphins showed holes that need repair, however, the Chicago defense (during 2nd and 3rd team play) sparked a few scores that led to victory in an otherwise meaningless game. Yet, success motivates and will help expedite the growing process of this defense. All in all this team is set up for a great year. The Bears are roaring back!
